I never thought we'd get here, as I just assumed that we would be 1-2 weeks early. But HERE WE ARE, we've been on the road, living in suitcases, for 17 days, and we are less than seven days until our due date, which is this Thursday. There hasn't been a lot of activity after Friday, barring the continual shedding of the mucus plug, some contractions that last anywhere from 20-30 minutes, and our little one nestled into just the right spot. So the plan is to wait and be patient and try to enjoy ourselves, which has been fairly easy to do. One of the most difficult things is dealing with the anticipation. I never knew it could be so exhausting...and I'm not even the one carrying this little bundle of joy. For now anyway.
The other challenge is trying to be online for work while being six hours ahead of Hawaii time. But that seems to be working itself out pretty well, and my very awesome co-workers are helping out. My paternity time doesn't start until AFTER the baby is born, so I've really tried to stay in touch with what's happening 5,000 miles away, enough as I can, anyway.
And....this is just another lesson in patience, I guess, along with this little girl taking her sweet time to make her grand appearance. I say that in an extremely loving way.... :-) and I know it will be completely forgotten when she finally arrives.
So anytime, little girl... In fact, we were even ready today, on Mother's Day. There were a few bets that she would arrive today -- given that she is named after Bill's mother and my mother -- but that hope has faded and now we are on to the day after Mother's Day, or the one after, or after......good enough for me, right? It was a good try, anyway.
We sincerely appreciate everyone checking in and thanks to Tony and Mike for getting us on the bandwagon to give you an update before the end of the weekend! You will all be the very first to know. It may be a few pics first and then the whole story to follow another day but there will be an announcement. PROMISE.
Happy Mother's Day to all the awesome mommies out there. You guys rock.
More updates as they come. We love you all!
I'll still be nudging you for updates! Can't wait to meet her!
ReplyDeleteBut continual shedding of the mucus plug? What does that...? Never mind.
FOR JASON:
DeleteWhat is the mucous plug (or mucus plug)?
The mucous plug is a collection of cervical mucus that seals the opening of the cervix. It keeps bacteria and infection from entering into the cervix, providing a protective barrier for the developing baby.
What does the mucous plug look like?
Some women describe the mucous plug as looking more like the mucous in your nose. It may look like a thick glob of stringy mucous, thicker than what you would see with normal vaginal secretions. If you are close to going into labor you may see pink, brown, or red blood around the edges of the mucous plug. This is called the “bloody show”.
When do you lose your mucous plug?
Some women will lose their mucous plug or part of their mucous plug weeks before they go into labor. Losing your mucous plug does not always mean labor will begin shortly. Keep in mind that even if a woman has begun to dilate, it may be weeks before she actually goes into labor.
However, if you notice blood tinged mucous before your thirty-sixth week of pregnancy, notify your doctor right away.
THANK YOU!!! I know this is the hard part the waiting. Tony and I were CONVINCED Zoey would come early and were on red alert for 2 weeks and then she came ONE day before her due date. But guess what? YOU ARE RIGHT THERE!!! We are both so excited for you!!!
ReplyDeleteI have hope, then, that maybe, just maybe, she will be born this week! Thanks for your encouragement, Mike! xo
DeleteAnd we love YOU!!! Scarlett told me she is really looking forward to the arrival of her Hawaiian penpal!
ReplyDeleteBernadette, there won't be a lot of penpalling because we plan to come and visit often, and so should you, too. So yes, an email or two will suffice, but just know that Scarlett will want to visit Cristina in Hawaii when they are teenagers, and I think she may just teach her how to go skinny dipping in the Pacific Ocean in the wee hours of the morning, just like her father did when he was in he was their age. You game? LOL. Joking...kind of.
DeleteYour all caps promise makes me relax...a little. Waiting is SOOOO hard! You're smart to just enjoy each day for what it is. You're also right that the frustration of waiting will vanish immediately when she finally makes her appearance!
ReplyDeleteHang tough! SO excited for you guys!
Thanks Jeni...the waiting is killing me...and I wrote that post two days ago! Gosh Darn It...(I'm trying to be good, here). Have had some good visits with old friends, and the new plan is to completely over schedule ourselves so eventually she will come, to interrupt our plans. LOL...I think she's going to be that kind of little girl. I don't dare say the _IVA word.
DeleteI am on pins and needles waiting to hear when that baby is making her debut!!!! Soon!!! So soon!!!!
ReplyDeleteI want everyone to chant that SOON!!! SO SOON!!! over and over again...power of the masses! xo
DeleteGet some sleep now, since your world is about to change! It is the best feeling in the world being a parent. We are very excited for you both. Warmest Aloha from the Gray's.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gray Family!!! I know you know the feeling...all the way around. So ready to be that parent. We'll see you soon...we're ready to be HOME with little Cristina!!!!1
DeleteHugs and hugs and kisses and hugs! It's awesome that you're sharing this fantastic journey!! Count me in a long line of babysitters!
ReplyDeleteooops, from Higgins Ohana...
DeleteCan you please sign at the dotted line, Vicki? Thanks for your support. LOVE YOU, see you SOON!
DeleteC'mon out little girl ! Your daddies have been more than patient awaiting your arrival! Hope it happens soon. Cant wait to hear news and see pics once she is in your arms. All the very best
ReplyDeleteYes, trying not to be too whiny about the patience thing...but I think we're due. It's going to be soon, because as long as I keep saying 'soon'...it's sure to be sooner than I said it the last time. Thanks for your well wishes!!
DeleteShe's just getting her beauty sleep for her debut. What a Diva!
ReplyDeletem.
I keep hearing that "I'm sexy and I know it" song...and it's making me nervous...and sleepless. Those photos in the delivery room are going to need some serious "de-noising"...for me, of course...
DeleteI'd say go shopping and buy her lots of cute outfits in the meanwhile, but you guys probably already have.
ReplyDeleteThere is never enough cute outfits for a DIVA...or so that is apparently what she is claiming to be...LOL
DeleteWonderful, wonderful reading and excitement!
ReplyDeletethanks anu. you've been so faithful on commenting...hopefully all this positive energy an anticipation will move things along. due date is in two days!
DeleteSo happy to see an update! Can't wait to the SHE'S HERE post! Praying for you guys and so dang excited!!! I stalk hourly now, hubby said I need a hobby, HA! I told him this is my hobby!!! :) :)
ReplyDeleteTonya, is that you making our page visits go through the roof??? hahaha! Seriously, though, my hobby is trying to juggle work, baby updates, trying to enjoy myself, and a house full of men that all want to take charge of this baby situation. When the only person in charge is "M" and Cristina. So we wait...
DeleteI can't wait for her to come!! On the edge of my seat for "the" update we're all waiting for!
ReplyDeleteAs are we!!!! Exciting to be this close...and now we just think "when will it happen?" A whole new kind of feeling...!
DeleteThis is so cute and exciting and I am loving reading your adventure....makes me cry.
ReplyDeleteThank you for following along! :-)
DeleteQue momentos tan bonitos estáis viviendo,estaremos pendientes de la gran noticia y enhorabuena por adelantado.Rebeca
ReplyDeleteI don't read Spanish so well but it sounds beautiful, Rebeca! Mahalo for your kinds words.
Delete-Doug and Bill
We're all rooting for that mucus plug...
ReplyDeleteWaiting stinks but I promise a year from now, you'll think about 'the few days' of waiting before you were a family.
I know you've experienced a very similar thing...except in India. So if I relate DC to Delhi then I have no legs to stand on! But glad you agree waiting stinks...but maybe not as bad as in Delhi (sorry bad humor).
DeleteMike and Tony aren't the only ones stalking! I can't wait for the announcement! BUT - I am totally cool with totally full term, healthy babies. Two of my own were 42 weeks - very strong and healthy, and I would never have wished for anything else. The wait feels never-ending now, but you are right that all will be forgiven when you finally get to meet her!
ReplyDeleteI've been resisting the whole "past the due date thing" but I am starting to come around. Healthy babies are the goal...but my impatient side is getting the best of me. lol.
DeleteLongest wait of your life, but you will think it was a blink of your eye when she is 6 months old and you try to figure out where time went. Love to you all and blessings
ReplyDeleteLongest wait is an understatement,...though I don't know your story, Aleksandra...but I know it will all be good and the love will overflow once she's here. Thanks for following along.
DeleteOkay, seriously, how fun would it be if our babies came on the same day?! I'm hoping for Friday for us ... but we're not going past next Wednesday. Within days of each other anyhow! So awesome. I'm excited for you both and excited for us. I'm one of many anxiously awaiting your announcement. =)
ReplyDeleteYou have no idea. It would be the coolest! Vacations with in Hawaii with the Momma's Boys...Cristina would LOVE IT! Thanks for your anxious awaiting...so, so appreciated. We're doing the same for your little guys. xo
DeleteThe exhaustion from the anticipation is a really good prep for what is to come. It's like you're transitioning into parents. Awesome stuff.
ReplyDeletexxx
Yes! Agreed! But wasn't ready for the exhaustion BEFORE the exhaustion...lol
Deletexxxx
Oh come on little girl!!!!!!!!! we're all hanging out to meet you!!!!!!!!!!! Meg xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks Meg. Sweet of you to follow along...and I know you've got another coming down the pipe, too -- WOO HOO!
DeleteSooooooo waiting for that post!!! Eeeeek!!
ReplyDeleteEEEEEEK is right!!!!! thanks jesse!
DeleteOk so now I'm checking your blog at work in the morning before even reading my emails! Come on little lady!
ReplyDeleteYour so close! You may not remember but we felt your pain...three weeks of waiting for our bundles of joy in India. Working late into the night do we didnt waist our leave and working hard to make the time go by quickly. We slept a ton, which was very helpful given we havent slept for six months:). Hoping your wait is over soon and everyone is healthy!!!!
ReplyDeleteOk, it's officially ZERO days to go - and even the baby from your countdown ticker has given up. Hello little girl, please come out to meet your daddies!!!
ReplyDelete